Tonkadale’s Top 5 (err 14) blogs of 2021
Posted by Jessie Jacobson on Dec 17th 2021
End of year greetings to you! If you are reading this blog, you likely have been with us week by week as we share our love of plants with you. And wow! We love plants. If I had to guess, I would say we have written at least 75,000 words this year! That is equivalent to a 300-page book. And it’s a good book. We have several talented writers on staff including Jessie, Hannah, and Aaron with a few guest bloggers to boot. We have the know-how for your grow-how so file these ones away.
Let’s take a look back at this year’s 5 (err 14) most popular blogs!
Container Gardening
There is nothing I love more than container gardening (don’t tell my family). And we do it best. The possible combinations of plants are endless and we want to show you how it’s done!
Container Gardening for All Season Color
Container gardens greet your guests, set the mood on the patio, and give us sunshine all season long – and aren’t we sooo ready. At Tonkadale, we are busy cooking up containers for your grab and go pleasure, but if you’d like to create your own, do it to it!
https://tonkadale.com/blog/container-gardening-for-all-season-color/
Using Indoor Plants in Outdoor Containers
Just so you know, you have our permission to use indoor plants outdoors as a focal point on the patio or in mixed in container gardens.
Getting your houseplants outdoors for the growing season is a great way to juice up your plants with real sun energy and maximum their growth potential. Just make sure to monitor for pests and fertilize on the regular.
Most indoor plants are going to thrive in a shady location. Remember outdoor light is different than indoor light. Full sun is likely to scorch and burn big tropical leaves. A bit of morning sun and diffused light is the key to success.
https://tonkadale.com/blog/using-indoor-plants-in-outdoor-containers/
Veggie Gardening
2021 saw sooo many new vegetable gardeners. We have the experience and know how to make your harvest dreams come true!
Vegging Out! Planning and Planting a Vegetable Garden.
We have compiled the most comprehensive resource to ensure your vegetable gardening success this season!
https://tonkadale.com/blog/vegging-out-planning-and-planting-a-vegetable-garden/
Tomato Deep Dive
Did you know there are over 10,000 varieties of tomatoes? With all colors of the rainbow - purple, yellow, orange, red, and even orange, you are sure to find one that suits your tastes. Choose your shape and choose your size - round, oval, pear shaped, cherry sized, golf ball sized, softball sized, and so on! Eat them right of the vine, slice them for sandwiches and BLT’s, toss them in salads, cook them into sauces or squeeze them for juice. Pureed, dried, or pickled, tomatoes are delicious and packed with health power.
Regardless of which tomatoes you choose, there are some basic care principles to follow ensure the best chance for happy, productive tomato plants.
In the Garden
Are most frequently asked questions have to do with the birds and the bees. Yep! We are willing to have that talk with you. As gardeners it is important to plant a wide diversity of plants to sustain our ecosystems and attract pollinators and songbirds. Read on!
Gardening with Pollinators in Mind
Pollination is primarily facilitated by various insects and other animals (pollinators), including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, beetles, flies, wasps, and bats, which require favorable habitats to survive and thrive to engage in pollination. Not only do they move genetic material around resulting in fruit and seed formation, but they also collect nectar for fuel and pollen for protein.
Creating a garden environment that is attractive to pollinators helps preserve their populations and ultimately facilitate this critical process, providing tremendous benefits for us and our environment.
https://tonkadale.com/blog/gardening-with-pollinators-in-mind/
Plants for Backyard Birding
https://tonkadale.com/blog/plants-for-backyard-birding/
The “insperience” is the new way to have fun at home. 2021 is the year of the great reset, a renaissance if you will. Collectively there is renewed interest in the world around us, and there is no better place to start than in the garden.
Gardens are living art, a living ecosystem with many members. It’s you, the flora, AND the fauna which includes our feathery friends. As of lately, backyard birding is gaining momentum as a popular hobby for people of all ages. Plants that support our native birds are the cornerstone of a well planted garden.
Garden Success
We are here to guide you in the garden and support your success. Our how-to and guide blogs lead the way for very specific garden needs.
Gardening in the Shade with Perennials
https://tonkadale.com/blog/gardening-in-the-shade-with-perennials/
Shade gardening comes with some distinct challenges, including a perceived lack of interesting plants to choose from. Gardening with perennials in the shade is more than just Hostas. But Hostas are amazing, so if that is all you planted, you would be winning!
Pruning Hydrangeas
If you are itching to get in the garden, but know it’s a bit too early, pruning a select variety of shrubs is a project you can tackle right now!
Pruning is important to overall plant health, appearance, and maintenance of its natural shape. Pruning also promotes fresh growth, encourages flowering, and fruit development. With regular pruning, the risk of disease and decline is greatly reduced as an open, healthy plant promotes good air flow.
Pruning shrubs can be a bit overwhelming at first, but with a little basic knowledge, you’ll be on your way!
https://tonkadale.com/blog/pruning-hydrangeas/
Your Guide to Problem Solving Perennials
Right here, right now, this is the most comprehensive list of problem-solving perennials for our area.
https://tonkadale.com/blog/your-guide-to-problem-solving-perennials/
How to Repel Warm Blooded Garden Pests: Keep Deer and Rabbits Out of the Garden
They may be cute while prancing through a meadow or navigating snow in winter, but in the garden, deer and rabbits are far from fun. As new growth emerges, when new plants are planted, or just when that long-awaited bloom is about to open, the top is lopped right off. The best way to get a handle on our furry friends in the garden is to accept that they here to stay, embrace their cuteness, then control for the things we can. Take action before deer and rabbits settle in and make your yard and gardens part of their lunch rotation.
Plant Parenting
We always have our indoor plant parents top of mind and we know there is so much information out there about growing and caring for indoor plants. With so much combined experience, Tonkadale is your go-to resource for all things green!
All About Light Meters
Light is not always what your eyes perceive. Our eyes adjust to light in a room and we make assumptions about how bright the light really is. And, as we age our perception of light and color changes. So instead of placing your plants in what you think is the best light, let’s measure light and find out what we are really working with!
Get yourself a light meter. The best $37.99 you ever spent on Amazon. We like the Dr. Meter light meter. Add to cart!
https://tonkadale.com/blog/all-about-light-meters/
An Indoor Plant Soils and Amendments Primer
Choosing the right potting soil for your plants is super simple. Knowing all about the ingredients and what they do is a bit more complicated. A really great potting soil sets you up for plant parent success. This is your guide to potting soils and amendments.
https://tonkadale.com/blog/an-indoor-plant-soils-and-amendments-primer/
Fertilizing Indoor Plants
Spring has sprung and your indoor plants are waking from their winter slumber. As the days get longer, and the sun gets shinier, it is time to start fertilizing indoor plants.
Local Vendors
Something we are passionate about is locally made products, especially pots! Check out these talented artists for all your plant parent needs!
Meet our Makers: Our Local Vendor Gift Guide
It’s gift giving season and the assignment is clear this year. Give gifts that are meaningful to you and the recipient. Heck, even give meaningful gifts to yourself. Read the stories of our local vendors. They and we get to do what we love because of all of you. When you buy locally made products, you are investing in our community, ingenuity, and the entrepreneurial dreams of artists and creators.
https://tonkadale.com/localvendorgiftguide
Thanks for reading and we will see you at Tonkadale!